The Hollywood Sign is the 45-foot-tall white block-letter landmark on the south face of Mount Lee in Griffith Park, above the Hollywood Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles (ZIP 90068). Erected in 1923 as a temporary real estate advertisement reading “HOLLYWOODLAND,” it became the world’s most recognizable symbol of the film industry and turned 100 years old in 2023. The sign sits on protected parkland with no public access to the letters themselves, so travelers come for the photographs, the hiking trails, and the sweeping views across the Los Angeles basin.
What to Expect at the Hollywood Sign
The first thing to understand is that the sign is a viewing destination, not a walk-up attraction. The letters stand on a steep, fenced hillside managed by the city and the nonprofit Hollywood Sign Trust, and the closest you can legally get on foot is a ridge-line vantage point behind and above the letters. Most visitors photograph the sign from a distance, then hike or drive to one of several viewpoints around Griffith Park and the Hollywood Hills. The official site, hollywoodsign.org, maintains dedicated pages for hiking, best viewpoints, and transportation, and operates a 24/7 webcam.
The sign’s story is part of the draw. It originally spelled “HOLLYWOODLAND” to promote a hillside housing development, and the “LAND” came down in 1949 when the sign was refurbished. By the 1970s the letters had badly deteriorated, and a 1978 fundraising campaign, with donors sponsoring individual letters, paid for a full rebuild. The Hollywood Sign Trust now funds ongoing preservation and the official history timeline on its website.
- Griffith Observatory terrace: One of the most popular and easiest views, with the sign visible across the canyon, plus the observatory’s Art Deco building and free-entry public galleries.
- Lake Hollywood Park: A fenced dog park and lawn on Lake Hollywood Drive with a frontal view of the letters, good for family photos.
- Hollyridge Trail: A graded route from Beachwood Canyon that climbs to a ridge-line viewpoint above and behind the letters, with panoramic city views.
- Mount Lee Drive ridge: The service road to the sign’s summit is closed to general traffic. Hikers reach the upper vantage points via Griffith Park trails, such as Brush Canyon.
- 24/7 webcam: The official site hosts a live camera of the sign for anyone who wants a view without the hike.
Hollywood Sign at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Mount Lee, Griffith Park, Los Angeles, CA 90068 (coordinates 34.1341, -118.3215) |
| Neighborhood / Area | Hollywood Hills / Griffith Park / Beachwood Canyon |
| Operating Hours | Visible around the clock from public viewpoints; Griffith Park trails typically open at sunrise and close at dusk; live webcam 24/7 |
| Admission / Price Range | Free to view; Griffith Park and trails charge no entry fee ($ tier for parking or tours) |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 30 to 60 minutes for photos; 2 to 3 hours for a hike to a ridge-line viewpoint |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Metro B Line (Red) to Vermont/Sunset, then the DASH Observatory/Los Feliz shuttle; limited street parking near Lake Hollywood and Beachwood Canyon with strict permit rules |
| Official Website & Phone | hollywoodsign.org (contact form on site) |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Go early. Morning light falls across the front of the letters, and the haze that dulls afternoon photos has usually lifted by mid-morning. Because the neighborhoods nearest the sign are residential, parking near Beachwood Canyon and Lake Hollywood is tightly regulated, so respect posted restrictions and avoid blocking driveways. The most reliable car-free approach is the Metro B Line to Vermont/Sunset, followed by the DASH Observatory/Los Feliz shuttle up to Griffith Observatory, which has dedicated parking and the best low-effort view. The official Plan Your Visit page lists current trail and transportation guidance and notes that Griffith Park was open following the recent fires.
Accessibility varies by viewpoint. The Griffith Observatory terrace and Lake Hollywood Park are the most practical for wheelchairs and strollers, with paved or level approaches, while the Hollyridge and Brush Canyon trails are steep, unpaved, and exposed with little shade, so carry water. Pair the visit with the Griffith Observatory galleries and its planetarium shows, a walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame about ten minutes’ drive south, or the Hollywood & Highland complex, where a framed view of the letters sits above the Dolby Theatre courtyard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours and best time to see the Hollywood Sign?
The sign is visible from public viewpoints at all hours and has a 24/7 webcam on the official site, though trails inside Griffith Park generally follow sunrise-to-dusk hours. Early morning gives the clearest air and the most flattering front light on the letters.
Does it cost anything to visit the Hollywood Sign?
Viewing the sign and hiking Griffith Park trails is free, and no reservations are needed. Costs arise only from paid parking lots, ride-share trips, or optional guided tours and shuttles.
How much time should I plan for a visit?
Allow 30 to 60 minutes if you are photographing the sign from Griffith Observatory or Lake Hollywood Park. A hike to a ridge-line viewpoint behind the letters takes roughly 2 to 3 hours round trip depending on the trail and your pace.
Can you touch the sign, and is it accessible for wheelchairs and families?
No, the letters sit behind security fencing and surveillance, and trespassing is enforced. Griffith Observatory and Lake Hollywood Park offer the easiest access for wheelchairs, strollers, and young children, while the hiking trails are steep and best for able walkers.
When planning your Los Angeles travel guide or browsing verified attractions in Los Angeles, pair this stop with standout local spots including The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, The Beverly Hills Hotel, and The Washington Memorial (1.2 km away).
